Pacifica High School focused on more than academics and sports during its Armed Forces Week, which honored Patriot Day, Sept. 11, Wounded Warrior Project, veterans and active military personnel.

The school kicked off Armed Forces Week with a ceremony in the quad on Sept. 11, in which the band, ASB, dance, cheer and the entire Pacifica High School staff and student body were invited to attend. ASB asked everyone to dress up in red, white and blue.

The next day, students kicked off their support for Wounded Warrior Project with a fundraising goal of $2,000 in two minutes. The actual two-minute fundraiser started at the beginning of fourth period. The school shattered its goal by raising $3,186 in two minutes. The donations didn't end there, though.

Friday was camouflage day at school, in which everyone was encouraged to wear camouflage. Plus, the National Guard BMX Team was on campus to perform stunts and tricks.

The week wrapped up with the school's first Salute to the Armed Forces football game at Bolsa Grande High School on Friday.

Drawing on the school's rich ROTC legacy and its connection to the military community, Pacifica dedicated the football game to the contributions and sacrifices of all of America's military service personnel in securing our freedom. In conjunction with ROTC and the Pacifica ASB, the football program honored the community's veterans and active-duty personnel at the game. Various branches of the military were in attendance with both active military members and static displays. The halftime show featured performances by Pacifica High's ROTC cadets, cheer, dance team and band that saluted each branch of the military and recognized our veterans and active-duty personnel.

In addition, all active-duty military personnel with valid military ID and a guest, as well as fans that provided sleeping bags or tents for donation to homeless veterans were admitted to the game for free.

The idea for Salute to the Armed Forces game originated with Coach Marcello Giuliano and his football players who wanted to give back to the community in some small way, specifically the veterans returning from overseas who needed help. Additionally, with the help of the ASB, under the direction of Pacifica High School ASB Director Katherine McGregor, the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program and the Pacifica High School Band, under the direction of Joe Miller, the idea blossomed into also raising funds for Wounded Warrior Project. Because of these dedicated educators, the Wounded Warrior Project and the veterans it serves will now be able to do a little bit more.

– James Iannone is the senior naval science instructor at Pacifica High School. He also is a retired captain of the U.S. Navy.

Students show their patriotism and school spirit during Pacifica High School's Salute to the Armed Forces football game on Sept. 13. UNKNOWN, COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Cadet Master Chief Karen Cobena stands at attention as Pacifica High School Principal Jason Bevacqua addresses students during the school's 9/11 flag raising ceremony. COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Students cheer for the Pacifica High School football on Sept. 13. The Salute to the Armed Forces football game capped of a week-long celebration to the military and veterans. COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Pacifica High School students show their patriotic spirit before the Salute to the Armed Forces football game. COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets raise the American flag and California state flag during Pacifica High School's 9/11 ceremony during Armed Forces Week. COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Pacifica hosted a two-minute fundraiser to benefit Wounded Warrior Project on Sept. 12. Students run envelopes filled with student donations across campus to be counted. COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Cadets of Pacifica High School's Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps fill the stands to cheer on the football team during the Salute to the Armed Forces game. COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Coach Marcello Guiliano addresses Pacifica High students as the football team sits behind him. Guiliano discussed the sacrifices made by the military's veterans, active-duty personnel and reservists and encouraged students to attend the Sept. 13 football game. COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
NJROTC cadet Nick Maxim dropps off student donations during the school's '$2,000 in 2 Minutes' fundraiser. COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Members of the National Guard BMX team stopped by Pacifica High School on Sept. 13 to perform tricks and stunts as part of the school's Armed Forces Week. COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Pacifica High School students show support for the military and the football team during the Salute to the Armed Forces football game on Sept. 13. UNKNOWN, COURTESY OF PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL

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